The second successful collaboration between Subhash Ghai and Shatrughan Sinha, Vishwanath grossed around Rs 7 crores at the box office when it released in 1978, which could easily be valued at Rs 287 crore in today’s time.

The film revolves around Vishwanath (Shatrughan Sinha) a middle-class public prosecutor with a penchant for justice and a soft corner for the common man. Known to be an unstoppable force, Vishwanath wins a case against the son of noted industrialist GNK (Prem Nath). His prosecution awards life imprisonment to Jimmy (Sudhir) — the son and his henchman Khokha (Ranjeet) on charges of rape and murder. Not many in the city are aware that GNK is also an underworld don involved in all sorts of criminal activities. Fumed with rage and using every trick of the trade, he wants to get back at Vishwanath.

The film gained iconic status for its powerful dialogues. It is said that whenever Shatrughan Sinha mouthed the ever popular dialogue “Jali Ko Aag Kehte Hain, Bhuji To Raakh Kehte Hain…” the fervent audiences voluntarily threw money at the screen, much to the cinema owners delight.